Bačić says he can't say definitively when the Vjesnik building will be demolished

The Vjesnik building in Zagreb sustained major fire damage on November 17th. The fire erupted on the 15th floor in the late evening and rapidly spread throughout the skyscraper, which had been sitting empty for years. Structural engineers later deemed that the damage had weakened the building’s structural integrity and that it would have to be demolished.

Speaking to reporters after Thursday’s cabinet session, Deputy Prime Minister and Construction, Physical Planning and State Property Minister Branko Bačić announced that negotiations with companies deemed to have submitted quality bids for the demolition of the fire damaged Vjesnik building will begin next week. A controlled demolition is being considered, but the possibility of a mechanical removal has not yet been abandoned. The minister added that it is unrealistic to expect the building's removal by the end of the year: "We're doing everything we can to ensure that the building is removed as soon as possible. But, we don't want speed to come at the expense of the security and safety of citizens, contractors and the traffic situation. This is a very demanding job, so we have to be very careful. I am hopeful that we will be able to demolish it in the given period, whether that's January or early February, I can't say with any confidence right now."

Government also adopted draft laws on spatial planning, construction and energy efficiency that will be debated in parliament next week. Minister Bačić rejected claims that the legislation was written by special interests and the construction lobby: "We have taken into consideration the professional requirements. Since the beginning we have met with representatives from the Croatian Chamber of Architects and the Association of Croatian Urban Planners on a number of occasions, reviewed every article of the law, and agreed to certain amendments."

Source: HRT